John Stuart Mill on Liberty

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Topic 1 John Stuart Mill included various sets of principles under “the appropriate region of liberty.” Of these principles, Mill listed the first principle such that they are encompassed in one category. According to Mill, the first principle included, “the inward domain of consciousness; demanding liberty of conscience, in the most comprehensive sense; liberty of thought and feeling... or theological.” Within this principle, individuals have the right of picking whatsoever they desire and minting a liberty that affect themself. Moreover, Mill included the liberty of expressing opinions, and letting individuals to do what they want; having in mind their action doesn’t harm other individuals. Furthermore, Mill also included that in a democrat and liberty states, individuals should not be “forced or deceived” . According to Mill, no society can be considered free if these principles are not followed. Thus, in order one to be a democrat and liberty state, citizens must have the choice to follow these principles. Mill described the maximum point to which a government is obligated to interfere with their own citizens. He believed that a government should only use their power towards individuals who are influenced to “[do] a hurtful act to others”1. In his book, Mill says, “The only part of the conduct of any one, for which he is amenable to society, is that which concerns others.”1 On this kind of situations, Mill illustrated that the government should stand up and assist his people from a danger. Furthermore, Mill believes that to deal with the criminal in a fairly approach and perform “court of justice”1 to prove his “fair share in the common defense”1. Mill also discussed on why individuals should worry about tyrannies. In his book, Mile says, “the ‘tyranny of the majority’ [are the] evils against which society requires to be on its guard.” He believes that a society should be cautioned against the tyranny of the majority because they are dangerous. He also believes a democracy society is a successful and effective approach to defense these tyrannies. According to Mill, having a self-government society does not express the people. However, if the people came together as one, it will benefit the state and also it will make sure tyranny doesn’t exist within the state. Based on my reading of An Essay on the Duties of Man Addressed to Workingman, Giuseppe Mazzini would have agreed with the certain ideas of Mill’s.

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